I am a new hunter, well at least trying to become one. Though i don't know how to begin this adventure, i have already gotten my Texas hunters safety course out of the way, my hunting permit, as well as my guns.-ruger 10/22-remington 770 chambered in .243-mossberg 500 in 12 gauge-hi point carbine chambered in 9mmNow i am just looking for places to hunt, and guided hunting is a bit too expensive for me unfortunately since i am still in college. Anyone have any thoughts? i have looked into public hunts but do not know how it works exactly and do not want to go out there and mess someones hunt up. Can anyone help? I live in Mckinney and i know lake Lavon has duck hunting at the moment if i'm not mistaken but again i don't know how that whole process works.

ta HF.... Hunting a place ta hunt, can be difficult... If ya don't have land, familiy or friends that own land, it can be difficult... Have done the leases when times were good, public land, when they opened up one down the road.... Back then it was $40.00 for permit, tstarts day you buy it & ends think last day in August.... Each has its rewardsu & faults... WMA toughest part is when ya get lucky, the work begins.... No vechicals allowed... They used ta send a booklet with places & rules... My education not best, & yet could figure it out... Right now basicly hog hunts, good time ta go out & experience the wild life & mother nature, take your time , look for tracks rubs & such, won't be messing up deer hunters & such.... Get ta know area close, not ta far ta drive, gas is cheap, for now... Then try some draw hunts, while never been, hear they have some great programs.... Tis sure theirs others on here with better suggestions.... i got cheap posts... might even get an invite, from some one willing ta help ... A list of what ya want ta hunt , might help... Hogs is good start for beginners ta deer hunting... Best wishes...

First off, you need a bigger gun than that 243! In Texas at least a 338 is needed.

Ok, ok, I'm kidding.

Check out http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/ - get the APH, you'll get a book in the mail when you purchase the APH (all info in the book is available on the site though), pick a place to hunt and something to hunt, then follow the rules (listed in the book and on the site) for that place. Once you've decided what/where/when you may try posting back to the Public Hunting subforum asking if you can tag along with somebody. If there are no takers then just go on your own and keep asking questions here. Also note, there are "mentored hunting workshops" (I am not familiar with these at all, I wonder if this is new). Check out http://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/mentored_hunting_workshops.

Aside from public hunting look for cheap hog hunts. Also go out and meet/get to know some land owners. Offer to do some work for them in exchange for the rights to come out and hunt hogs a time or two. Never know what could turn into a good low cost hunting lease.

_________________________

Originally Posted By: Grizz

Wingshooting is like sex for me - I love doing it but I'm just not that good at it.

Wow! i didn't anticipate such great responses from all of you i wish could thank each and everyone of you individually for the great advice. Thanks, to all of you, if i end up finding a hog hunt and i get a kill i will be sure to post pics on here, Bbear you've got jokes college blows but i got to get it done in order to have that land that i want when i retire so can hunt. fish, cook and enjoy the great outdoors. Again thank you all for the great advice and i will be sure t keep yall updated on the journey

Welcome! You have come to the right place for excellent no BS advice. Log in to this forum often, continue to ask questions and read the posts. In addition act on the advice posted above, go to the range and practice from bench and actual field positions. Learn the anatomy of the animals you plan to hunt and make a clean kill.

Welcome to THF! I also hunt with a .243. Unless I'm shooting more than 150 yds. Then I'll use a .270. But since I never know when something will walk out or how far they are, sometimes I take both rifles. Good luck on your hunts!

ta HF dune2218 ... On first lease was on, asked GW bout hog hunten at night during deer season... Hogs were tearing up our feeders... Even though its a 24-7-365 hunt for hogs... He told us if get reports about shooting at night, their best be a hog on ground, ( poaching ) was reason.. As pappy says: i may be a lowfer, but not a poacher .... We did our hog hunts at night after deer season so not ta mess up hunts... Tis tough enough, mature deer go nocturnal around first chooten in Nov... Twas good point made in a post above... Learn vitals for quick clean kill... & thar tis a difference between Target practice & hunting...